The vibrant city of Kampala is buzzing with energy as the 2nd Uganda-Somalia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) and Investment & Business Summit unfolds at the Mestil Hotel. Running from October 7-8, 2025, this landmark event, themed “Promoting Uganda–Somalia Partnership through Investment, Trade & Tourism — Harnessing Opportunities in Both Countries,” is a testament to the deepening ties between these two East African nations. Building on the foundation laid during the inaugural JPC in August 2022, this summit is poised to transform bilateral relations into tangible outcomes, with new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in immigration, education, sports, and labor on the horizon.
A Platform for Solidarity and Progress
The summit opened with a powerful display of African unity. Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared vivid moments from the opening ceremony, capturing the spirit of collaboration. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Vincent Bagiire set the tone, emphasizing “Africanism & Ubuntu” as the guiding principles for shared prosperity. On the Somali side, Deputy Ambassador Abdilatif Ali called on Ugandan investors to seize opportunities in Somalia’s stabilizing markets, where neighbors like Kenya are already making strides. The message was clear: this partnership is about mutual growth, with Somalia’s improving security and business climate meeting Uganda’s dynamic export-driven economy.
Mr. Hamza Adan Haadoow, Permanent Secretary of Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@MOFASomalia), delivered heartfelt remarks, conveying greetings from H.E. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Ugandan people. He also extended congratulations to Uganda for its upcoming 63rd Independence Anniversary on October 9, 2025, spotlighting cooperation in defense, education, and diplomacy. From Uganda, Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation, underscored the summit’s role in boosting trade, with initiatives like exporting Ugandan fruits to Somalia already in motion. Security Minister Hon. Gen. Jim Muhwezi urged swift action on agreements, signaling a shift from security-focused ties to economic empowerment through jobs and trade.
Microhaem Scientifics: Leading the Charge for Health Innovation
A standout moment came from Microhaem Scientifics (@Microhaem), East Africa’s pioneering medical manufacturing firm, established in 2012 as the region’s first indigenous producer of in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) test kits. Their Vaccine Access Initiative (VAI) stole the spotlight, showcasing Africa’s growing expertise in vaccine development, biotechnology, and stem cell manufacturing. With a focus on “Made in Africa” solutions, Microhaem is driving health self-reliance, reducing dependence on imports, and strengthening regional supply chains. Their display of diagnostic kits—used for sickle cell screening and more—drew praise, with Ambassador Kabonero joining their team for photos and discussions that highlighted the power of public-private partnerships.
Microhaem’s recent achievements add weight to their presence:
- Last Week: CEO Dr. Cedric Akwesigye met President Museveni at State House Entebbe, discussing how diagnostics and traditional knowledge can advance Uganda’s health sector—a perfect prelude to the summit’s themes.
- September 2025: Microhaem powered the Annual Sickle Cell Run with donated testing kits, amplifying awareness during Sickle Cell Awareness Month and reinforcing their commitment to community health.
Their work aligns seamlessly with the summit’s goals, fostering Somali-Ugandan collaborations in health tech and positioning East Africa as a hub for biotech innovation.
A Launchpad for Economic and Social Ties
This summit is more than diplomatic fanfare—it’s a catalyst for action. Day 1 saw robust discussions on reviewing the 2022 Kampala Declaration and setting the stage for tomorrow’s MoU signings on immigration, education, and labor mobility. These agreements promise to ease people-to-people movement, boost student exchanges, and create jobs, all within the East African Community (EAC) framework. Somalia’s recent EAC accession adds momentum, aligning trade policies and opening doors for Ugandan exports like agricultural products and Somali investments in construction and aviation.
The business forum is abuzz with matchmaking sessions, connecting investors and entrepreneurs. Uganda’s export portfolio—boasting 31 new products in 15 years—meets Somalia’s stabilizing markets, creating fertile ground for deals. Presidents Museveni and Mohamud may attend tomorrow’s closing, potentially sealing high-level commitments to tourism visas, student quotas, and health tech ventures.
Why This Matters
The Uganda-Somalia JPC Summit is a blueprint for intra-African growth. By shifting from security-focused ties to economic empowerment, it addresses the root causes of instability through trade, jobs, and innovation. Microhaem’s VAI exemplifies this vision, showing how local solutions can drive global impact. From biotech to agriculture, the partnerships forged here could ripple across the EAC, creating jobs and resilient systems.
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What’s Next?
Day 2 (October 8) promises MoU signings, more networking, and possibly a presidential appearance. The focus will remain on turning talks into action—think tourism deals, educational exchanges, and health tech joint ventures.
What’s your take? Which area—trade, tourism, or health tech—holds the most promise for Uganda-Somalia ties? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
For real-time updates, follow @MOFASomalia, @Microhaem, and #UGSomaliaJPC on X.
